Category: Books & Reading

Tales of the Otori by the author under the pen name of Lian Hearn. From wikipedia, “Tales of the Otori is a series of fantasy novels by Lian Hearn, set in a fictional world based on feudal Japan. The series initially consisted of a trilogy: Across the Nightingale Floor (2002), Grass for His Pillow (2003), and Brilliance of the Moon (2004). It was followed in 2006 by a sequel, The Harsh Cry of the Heron, and in 2007 by a prequel, Heaven’s Net is Wide.”

From wikipedia, “The books follow a young warrior named Takeo in his struggles to avenge an adoptive father, escape the legacy of his biological father, and pursue the love of his life in the midst of an enormous power struggle involving dozens of clan lords and thousands of warriors.”

I have found all the books fascinating journeys containing some very deep commentaries on human nature, religion, and societal roles with regards to gender and socio-economic status. Maybe at a later time I will review each of the entries in the series but for now, due to time constraints, have decided to simply include some links for more information and a general timeline of the books.

The books have been published in the following order:

* Across the Nightingale Floor
* Grass for His Pillow
* Brilliance of the Moon
* The Harsh Cry of the Heron
* Heaven’s Net is Wide

However, they fall into the following order chronologically with the story:

* Heaven’s Net is Wide
* Across the Nightingale Floor
* Grass for His Pillow
* Brilliance of the Moon
* The Harsh Cry of the Heron

For now, I will leave it at that and on the following note: You must not pass up these books!
Stayed tuned for reviews of each of the books to come one of these days…in the mean time you can divulge your interests at your local bookstore or at the following links: